History of the Primus No:96

Discussion in 'Stove Models' started by kaw550red, May 4, 2010.

  1. kaw550red

    kaw550red RIP

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    History of the Primus No:96 by Bryan Miller

    INTRODUCTION

    Clarification
    Whilst it has been possible to identify nine versions of the stove it has been impossible to clearly identify when all of the versions started or finished.
    A stove has been classified as a version when the normally fixed parts have changed. These parts include the pump knob because that is not removed from the stove during normal dismantling. Parts like reserve lids and burner plates are loose, easily lost and readily replaced so it is difficult to say that they are part of the original stove. Whilst these help identify the version the fixed items on the stove are more reliable for identification.

    Definitions

    ? following a year means that there is evidence that the version existed in that year but it is not known whether the version existed before the first year or after the last year. eg 1926?-1931? means that evidence exists to show the version existed in 1926 and was still in existence in 1931 but the version could have started prior to 1926 and continued after 1931.

    196x? means that there is no evidence as to when the version was first produced or when the version finished however it was in production in the 1960s.

    The actual dating of the versions is unlikely to be as clear cut as a year. Successive versions could exist in the same year as the changes may have occurred part way through a year.

    PTC stands for the Primus Trading Company created by Optimus in 1962 to market their Primus brand stoves.

    Dates
    Years shown under the version photos are the year of the stove photographed.

    1429109238-Line.gif

    Version 1 (1908? - 1911)
    Version 2 (1911)

    I do not have a photos of V1. A 1907 catalogue does not list a 96. 1911 examples exist of both versions. The main difference between the versions is the pump "knob". V1 has a simple plate for a pump knob. V2 has a cap for a pump knob. I have doubts as to whether the V2 pump knobs are original. This is covered in the features section. There is also a slight difference in the lettering of the tank lid and the shape of the airscrew.

    1429108667-Pic01.gif

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    Version 3 (1912? - 1921)

    1912 and 1921 examples exist. 1921 examples of the next version exists.

    1429108679-Pic02.gif


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    Version 4 (1921 - 1925?)

    1921 and 1925 examples exist.

    1429108689-Pic03.gif

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    Version 5 (1926? - 1931?)

    1926 examples exist. Examples of the next version from 1932 exist.

    1429108698-Pic04.gif

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    Version 6 (1932? - 1962)

    1932 examples exist. Bahco stopped making the stove when they sold the Primus brand name for liquid fuelled stoves to Optimus in 1962.

    1429108708-Pic05.gif

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    Version 7 (1962 - 196x?)

    In 1962 Optimus started making Primus 96s which were rebadged Optimus 96s. They were then sold by the Primus Trading Company (PTC) which was owned by Optimus.
    Apart from getting the brand name, Optimus also got unassembled stoves and spare parts, so you can get a 1962 date coded Bahco-made stove having been sold in a box made by Optimus in the guise of the PTC. Anything date coded was made by Bahco. Bahco boxes were marked with the Bahco name on the left of the Primus logo. Optimus produced PTC boxes simply had SWEDEN marked under the Primus logo
    The spare parts that Optimus acquired appear to have been tipped into the top of the assemblers’ parts boxes, so stoves made immediately after the Primus brand acquisition were mostly fitted with Bahco parts. The more Bahco parts on the stove, the closer the stove was made to 1962. However, I have never seen a PTC 96 that used the Bahco reserve lids, reserve lid bosses or feet. These all appear to have been scrapped.

    1429108719-Pic06.gif

    On 31 December, 1963 Optimus acquired the AB Radius company. Radius parts started to appear on the Primus 96 although these are much less common than the Bahco parts. Any Primus 96 with original Radius parts on it cannot have been made before 1964.
    This version is classified as an Optimus produced stove with Bahco or Radius parts on it providing those parts are not replacements, which is difficult to identify.
    This version has been dated 1962-196x? although I suspect that the Bahco and Radius parts ran out in around1965.

    1429109238-Line.gif


    Version 8 (196x? - 196x?)

    When the Bahco and Radius parts ran out, the style of the Primus 96 was changed to that of the Optimus 96 made by Optimus immediately prior to the acquisition of the Primus brand name.

    1429108729-Pic07.gif

    1429109238-Line.gif


    Version 9 (196x?- 1969?)

    Optimus parked the reserve lid on the pump knob which they had been doing on the 00s since the mid 1930's.
    Primus 96s are not mentioned in the 1970 - 1976 catalogues and it is thought that they went out of production in 1969.

    1429108744-Pic08.gif

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    STOVE FEATURES

    Definitions

    Original parts means parts that were fitted at the factory. Any stove that has been used extensively is unlikely to have all of the original parts on it. The parts are small and very easily lost.

    Authentic parts means parts that were made by AB Primus, Hjorth, Bahco or Optimus, depending on period. Replacement parts may be authentic and correct for the stove in which case it would be difficult to recognise them as being replacements.

    Correct parts means parts that were from the period when the tank was made.

    Stove Assembly. Unfortunately the methods used for stove assembly can cause anomalies with the age of the parts fitted to a stove. A stove can have left the factory with original parts that were not the same age as the tank. They can be older or newer than the tank age.

    Apart from the possibility that tanks could get misplaced for a few years there is the problem of the way the stoves were assembled and that ten times as many parts were made as the number of tanks were made. A batch of parts could be mislaid and when discovered be fitted to later tanks.

    Even without parts or tanks being misplaced the stoves were assembled at benches with boxes of parts in front of the assemblers. The assemblers appear to have stayed at their work station and the tanks and parts were brought to them and I presume that someone collected the assembled stoves.

    The parts boxes would be kept topped up to prevent an assembler sitting idle. However there is a consequence to this that may not be obvious. If new parts are constantly put on top of older parts the newest parts will always be fitted to the tank unless the parts in the box run really low and then the older parts could be fitted to a tank much newer than the parts.

    I was a stove user for many years and I was not bothered about the age of the stove nor the age or make of the spares that I was buying. All I wanted was a compact reliable stove with a good performance.

    As a collector I was interested in a stove with fittings on it from the same period as the tank.

    1429109238-Line.gif


    Burner Plates


    Pre PTC plates - The left plate is from a 1914 stove. The same plate is also on a 1921 stove. The centre plate is from a 1927 stove. The right plate is from a 1937 stove but appears on stoves from the mid 1930s until it stopped being made in 1962.

    1429108755-Pic09.jpg



    Early PTC plates - The left plate is from an early PTC stove having come with the pre PTC parts from Bahco. The centre plate is a Radius plate and could not be fitted to a stove made before 1964. The right one is an Optimus one in general use up to 1962. Any of these plates is correct for stoves in this period. The first plate from the late PTC period also sometimes appear on the early PTC stoves but I suspect might be later replacements rather than original parts fitted by Optimus.

    1429108767-Pic10.jpg


    Late PTC plates - These two plates appear on the two versions of the Primus 96 made from about 1965 until 1969. The left one was first, being a conventional shaped plate and appears mainly on V8 stoves. Initially I thought that the right one was not made by Optimus but it consistently turns up on the V9 of the Primus 96 and V5 Optimus 96s also several were included in a batch of unused Optimus parts that I bought. It resembles a plate that has been sawn in half horizontally and should be used with the printing on the top.

    1429108781-Pic11.jpg

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    Burner Heads

    Pre PTC heads - The first head was used almost continuously up until 1962 when it ceased being made. It has four recognisable characteristics. The notches for the burner plate are deep cut. It has PRIMUS SWEDEN written under the flared top. However the 1914 stove has an identical burner head which does not have PRIMUS SWEDEN marked on it so the marking may be a later addition. The inside of the side holes have flanges on them. The top of the inside of the lower tube has a flange which rests on top of the vaporising tube so that the jet is always the correct distance from the burner plate.

    V5 1930s head - I have found this burner head on several late 1930s Primus 96s. I have not found it on other 96s. The shape is very similar to the Primus shape. The side holes are similar and the top of the lower tube has a flange around the top. However the brand name is not written on it and I have no idea what function the ribs around the tube play. I am fairly certain that this is an unbranded replacement but have included it because of its high incidence on Primus 96s of that period.

    1429108793-Pic12.gif


    Early PTC heads - The left head is a Bahco made Primus head made no later than 1962. The centre head is a Radius head made no later than 1963 and the right head is an Optimus one made until 1969. Any of these heads is correct for stoves in this period but Radius heads could not be fitted to stoves made before 1963.

    1429108806-Pic13.jpg


    Late PTC heads - This head was used on V8 & V9's.

    1429108817-Pic14.jpg

    1429109238-Line.gif



    Vapourising Tubes

    Pre PTC tubes had nickel plate steel tubes soldered into a brass gland nut that was marked PRIMUS SWEDEN. These were made up until 1962 and fitted to V1- V6 stoves. However some early stoves have vapourising tubes with no lettering on them so the lettering may have started some time after the model began.

    1429108831-Pic15.jpg



    Early PTC tubes - The left tube is a Bahco made Primus tube made no later than 1962. The centre head is a Radius tube made no later than 1963. It has RADIUS SWEDEN engraved into the tube. The right tube is an Optimus one made until 1969. Any of these tubes is correct for stoves in this period. but Radius tubes could not be fitted to stoves made before 1964. These were fitted to V7 stoves.

    1429108868-Pic16.jpg


    Late PTC tubes - These were nickel plated steel tubes soldered into a brass gland nut without any markings on it and were fitted to all V8 -V9 stoves.

    1429108929-Pic17.jpg

    1429109238-Line.gif



    Tank lids

    Pre PTC lids - The first lid has an engraved top with an airscrew using a rubber washer to form a seal. This was used on V1 and V2 stoves. The second photo shows the difference in lettering between the V1 and V2 stoves The third photo is a plain lid with an engraved top and was used on V3 stoves. The fourth photo is an engraved lid with a loose airscrew making a metal to metal seal part no R1229. This is off a 1921 96 and was used on V4 stoves which were made up to 1925 together with early V5 stoves. The 1927- 1929 Condrup catalogue also shows this tank lid. There is also a version of this tank lid without any engraving on the top. It appears on several Primus 96s around 1925 so may have replaced the earlier engraved one unless it is a replacement of another make. The fifth photo shows on 1929 and 1931 parts lists as part no 4029. It has a plain topped lid with a loose airscrew having a radiused junction between its top and its stem. It was used on some V5 stoves however at some time in the 1930s it changed to the fifth tank lid with the captive airscrew as part no 4032. That first shows on a 1937 parts list and this part number is consistently used on parts lists up to 1963. The earlier tank lid part no 4029 is not mentioned after 4032 is first used. However there is a high incidence of the fourth tank lid (part no 4029) appearing on much later stoves and it is possible that an unused source of the airscrews was found in the factory and fitted to later stoves. It is also possible that the earlier loose airscrew tank lids were fitted as replacement spare parts as they also appear often on pre PTC Optimus stoves and they cannot have been fitted at the Optimus works prior to 1962. The tank lid shown in the sixth photo replaced that in the fifth but continued to be sold as part no 4032.

    1429108945-Pic18.gif


    Early PTC lids - The first lid is a Bahco made Primus captive airscrew tank lid made no later than 1962. The second lid is a Radius lid made no later than 1963 and the third lid is an Optimus one made until 1969. Any of these heads is correct for stoves in this period but Radius lids could not be fitted to stoves made before 1964. These were fitted to V8 stoves. The fourth one is the loose airscrew Primus made tank lid (part no 4029) from the 1920s which sometimes appears on this version of the Primus 96 however it is impossible to say whether they are replacement spare parts or whether Optimus fitted them.

    1429108964-Pic19.gif


    Late PTC lids - Whilst all V8 & V9 stoves should be fitted with the Optimus tank lid with the loose thin airscrew it is possible that some may have been fitted with Primus or Radius tank lids if an assembler’s parts box became almost empty.

    1429108983-Pic20.jpg

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    Reserve Lids and Reserve Lid Bosses


    Pre PTC Reserve Lids

    The V1 & V2 were fitted with a hexagonal headed reserve lid but any reserve lids with an internal thread are Optimus replacements.

    The next lid was used from 1912 to about 1935 so was used on V3s and the early V5s.

    The next one was used on later V5s from about 1935 until Bahco stopped production in 1962.

    1429109003-Pic21.gif



    Pre PTC Reserve Lid Bosses

    The first reserve lid boss was bottomless and was fitted to V1s to V4s running from 1908? to 1925. There is also one on a 1926 stove which is the start of the V4s.

    The last pre PTC reserve lid boss had a bottom in it and was fitted to V5s and V6s.

    1429109024-Pic22.gif


    PTC reserve lids and bosses - The Optimus hexagonal headed reserve lid was used on all PTC Primus 96s. The Optimus male reserve lid boss was used on V7-V8 Primus 96s. The pump knob was converted to become a combined knob and parking boss on the V9.

    1429109042-Pic23.jpg

    1429109238-Line.gif


    Pump Lid and Knobs

    Pre PTC pump lids and caps - Pre PTC pump knobs were not conventional in that they were not knobs. V1 used a plate instead of a knob. V2 used a cap which fitted over the pump lid when the rod was fully depressed. I have doubts as to whether the knobs on V2s are original as they are identical to that used on the first version of the Optimus 96 but the pump lid is different to it and different to that used on V3 stoves. I am suspicious as that type of knob and pump lid only appear to have been used for about a year.

    1429109060-Pic24.gif


    By 1921 the knurling on the knob had changed to two bands of diagonal knurling although the pump lid still had vertical knurling on it. This was used on at least the V4s.
    By 1927 the pump lid and pump cap had diamond knurling and this continued to be used until 1962 so this arrangement applied to most of the V5 and V6 stoves.

    1429109075-Pic25.gif


    Early PTC pump lids and knobs - The left pump lid and cap is a Bahco made Primus arrangement. The centre one is a Radius arrangement which could not be fitted to any stove made before 1964. The Radius knob also has Radius and other printing on the knob top. The right one is the long running Optimus arrangement. Any of them are correct on V7 Primus 96s.

    1429109091-Pic26.jpg


    Late PTC pump lids and knobs - After the Primus and Radius parts were used up Optimus reverted to their own pump arrangement and this was used on V8 Primus 96s (below left). After that Optimus modified the pump knobs so that the reserve lids could be parked on them and this was used on the V9 Primus 96 which was the last version made (below right).

    1429109129-Pic27.gif

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    Legs

    The V1 & V2 stove legs had collars around the bottom of them to support them on the top of the leg housing (left). The shape at the top of the leg is not clear enough to be definite but I should think that it was the same shape as the later Primus legs (centre). The centre Primus leg was used on the V3 to V6 stoves. The right leg is an Optimus 96 leg. It is difficult to differentiate between them but the angle between the top two sections of the Primus leg is 10º whereas the angle between the top two sections of the Optimus leg is 15º. Both legs on the second photo were used on V7 stoves. Radius legs are similar to Primus legs but bent around a bigger diameter pin so the top two sections are further apart. These could appear on V7 stoves. The right leg was used on V8 and V9 stoves.

    1429109146-Pic28.gif

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    Feet

    At last we have come to features that are difficult to alter on a stove so are much more reliable indicators than the replaceable parts.

    V1/V2 feet - Bun feet

    V3 feet - The photo of the V1 looks to be identical to the V2 feet which were tucked under the edge of the tank.

    V4 feet - moved to the outer edge of the tank.

    1429109186-Pic29.gif


    V5 and V6 feet - are folding. The V5 feet raise the edge of the tank about 25 mm above the supporting surface. The V6 feet raise the edge of the tank about 31 mm above the supporting surface. The difference is difficult to spot unless you measure the heights or the two versions of stove are close together.

    V7 - V9 feet - Optimus used their own folding feet on all PTC 96 stoves.

    1429109203-Pic30.gif

    1429109238-Line.gif



    Date Coding

    Primus started date coding in 1911 and continued until 1962 on 96 stoves. Initially the date coding was in the centre of some ornate imprinting on the bottom of the tank but at least by 1927 it had changed into a circle with the alphabetical date code and a number. In 1957 it changed to a 6 digit number on one of the stove feet. PTC 96s were never date coded as far as I know.

    1429109222-Pic31.gif

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    Acknowledgements

    My thanks to Ross Mellows for allowing access to his stoves, documentation, photo of the Radius tank lid and for his patience whilst editing and setting out the article.

    My thanks to Trevor Halliday for allowing me to use the photo of the date coded foot.

    My thanks to Takeshi for his photos of Version 1 & 2

    Also my thanks to all other members who supplied answers to questions

    Unfortunately any mistakes are mine.

    Knowledge
    This article is based on the information that I have in March 2010 however information about stoves is constantly being found so it is possible that some of the statements made in the article may be incorrect when more information comes to light.

    Regards,
    Bryan
     
  2. Spiritburner

    Spiritburner Admin SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Many thanks Bryan for a well researched article on this classic stove. I'm sure this will prove invaluable to collectors worldwide , now & in the future.
     
  3. Doc Mark

    Doc Mark SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Hello, Bryan,

    You have done a fine thing, Sir, and I know that all of us CCS Stovies will appreciate your hard work, attention to detail, and great photographs!!! WELL done, Mate!! :clap: :clap: :thumbup: :clap: I know that we'll all be looking to this fine article on a regular basis, to learn more about our beloved 96's! Thanks, again, and God Bless!

    Every Good Wish,
    Doc
     
  4. Guzz Denmark

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    Great stuff Bryan, I love these sort of details.

    I assume, where relevant, that the time line for stove parts was the same as for the lamps and lanterns. Therefore I will say that the last version of the Primus tank lid was first seen on lamps and lanterns in 1938, possibly at the end of 1937.
     
  5. kaw550red

    kaw550red RIP

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    Hi Guzz

    The last pre PTC lid consistently turns up on 1935 stoves. This suggests that 1935 was probably the first year that the tank lid was used

    1935 96
    1935 96 cycle clip http://www.cl
    tid/1011/]1935 96L[/url]
    1934 96 older lid
    1936 210
    1936 210L

    There is a 1934 stove that is fitted with the later lid but I suspect that the lid is probably a replacement

    1934 210

    Whilst the first written evidence of the captive airscrew tank lid is 1937 I think that it was probably introduced in 1935 when Primus rationalised some of their products

    1935 Rationalisation

    The problem with producing a document like this is that it is like doing a dot to dot drawing with half of the dots missing and without a copy of the finished picture. I have tried to stick to supportable information however my view sometimes contradicts the evidence that is available.

    The lid that precedes the captive airscrew lid crops up on all ages and all makes of stoves. Whilst those on the Primus stoves may have been fitted at the Primus factory it is virtually impossible that lid could have been fitted to Optimus stoves at the Optimus factory before 1962 when Optimus got the Hjorth and Bahco made Primus parts. You will regularly see the tank lid on pre PTC Optimus stoves

    Regards Bryan
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 2, 2015
  6. Guzz Denmark

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    It looks like you might have put two variations of the tank lid in one. :)


    {Admin - article edited to reflect new information}

    Here is a picture of the three variations of lids seen on lamps.
    1273052950-Filler_caps.jpg
    The lid on the left is seen on lamps from they started in 1927 until 1933. The middle one is seen from 1934 until 1937 and the one on the right is from 1938 on.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 27, 2015
  7. kaw550red

    kaw550red RIP

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    Hi Nils

    Unfortunately I no longer have my Primus 96s to check the tank lids. However I have been able to check a 210, two 54s and two loose captive airscrew lids and all are identical to that shown in the article. The parts number did not change between 1937 and 1963

    I suspect that your central tank lid was not made by Hjorths (Primus). If you look at the tank lid on the left and the right the internal angles are radiused. The airscrew on the left is radiused between the stem and cap. The lid on the right is radiused between the top and the central upstand. I assume that your right airscrew sticks up because the valve is open.

    The central lid has a sharp angle between the lid top and the central upstand and I suspect that this may be another make. The airscrew on the central lid is also held captive in a different way. The upstand has been deformed in two places to retain the airscrew. The airscrew on the right lid is retained either by a sleeve being driven into the upstand after the airscrew has been inserted in the lid or the top of the upstand has been dressed down after the airscrew has been inserted in the lid

    Whilst that is my current opinion it would change if a high incidence of the central lids were found. It is really up to current collectors to check the veracity of the statements that I have made. I have stopped collecting so the article does not benefit me in any way.

    I do have a damaged version of the central tank lid but have no idea what make of stove that it was taken from

    Regards Bryan
     
  8. Guzz Denmark

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    Hi Bryan

    This is fun :lol: , I like chasing details.

    Of course I'm only going by the evidence I've seen on lamps. Maybe there is a difference on the stoves, but I would expect Primus to have consolidated their parts usage where possible.

    The first lid has part number 4029 and is seen in catalogues up to 1934. The next lid has number 4032 and is seen in a catalogue that is undated, but from the content must be from 1934 or 1935.

    I have seen a considerable number (at least a couple of dozen) of lamps from Primus with the middle type of lid, mostly from the period 34-37. Of course a tank lid is loose so there are no guarantees it started out that way. I've seen enough though to know that I'm convinced.

    Unfortunately I don't have any stoves from the period so I can't check that. If you look closely at the stoves you provided links to, they seem to have the middle style of lid.
     
  9. kaw550red

    kaw550red RIP

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    Hi Nils

    I have not seen a Primus parts list from around 1934 or 1935

    The tank lids were not individual to 96s and 210s. I did check a parts list and they were common to about 9 different paraffin stove models so it is highly probable that the same lids were common to lights as well.

    Some of the stoves that I linked do have the middle lid but it is difficult to tell on others.

    The knurling on the 3 lids is identical but it is a common pattern. It looks probable that Primus did use two designs of captive airscrew tank lid.

    Have you seen that type of lid with a Primus washer fitted to it?

    Whilst the washer could be a replacement it could also reinforce the view that this type of lid is a Primus lid.

    Regards Bryan
     
  10. Guzz Denmark

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    Hi Bryan

    It's pretty much standard that I replace the washers in the lids, so none of the ones I have at hand have original washers. I did pick up another Primus 1020 last Friday from 1936 with the middle type lid. The washer in it is unbranded, but the lantern is well used so it could be a replacement.

    I know pictures in catalogues are not to be relied upon, but here is a picture of the lid from a 1935 catalogue and a 1950 catalogue.
    1273563418-Filler_cap_sharp_1935.jpg 1273563433-Filler_cap_curved_1950.jpg
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 26, 2015
  11. parramethtrol

    parramethtrol Subscriber

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    hi Bryan
    i am in awe at how much detail and effort has gone in to this work :clap: :clap:

    most of it is beyond me and go's over my head but hopefully i will read it a few times and some of it will sink in

    i have a 96 cyclists outfit and barely used 97 both date coded AB(2) and both have what appear to me as the centre filler cap in Guzz's photo
    is it worth me popping off a photo for you too see them?
    both stoves will be posted in the ref gal shortly
     
  12. kaw550red

    kaw550red RIP

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    Hi Nils

    I have examined several photos of stoves and you are right. The earliest captive airscrew tank lid did have the airscrew retained by two crimps at the top of the upstand.

    I have asked Ross to revise the article to include this amendment.

    Parts lists are usually much more reliable than sales literature for information but you are right, sometimes the parts change but the illustrations do not get altered.

    Dating parts lists is very difficult because generally Primus just numbered the parts lists rather than dating them or linking them to a stove date code.

    A 1934 Primus 210 that I owned had the female rising tube connection to the tank the same as the Optimus 00 connection. A 1935 Primus 210 that I owned had the 54 type rising tube male connection to the tank. Unfortunately I have not come across either year stove with the opposite connection. It is therefore impossible to say in which year the change occurred. However it means that a parts list that shows the later connection could not have been dated before 1934 and a parts list that shows the earlier connection could not have been dated later than 1935.

    Bill it was not my intention that people would have to read the whole article at any time. It is broken down into parts so that you can refer to the part that you want information about a bit like a dictionary

    The document has existed for a long time in a different format but with three less versions. I used it for buying purposes. When stoves came up on ebay I looked at the features on the stoves and could put the stove into a period without having to ask the buyer questions which would have drawn other buyer's attention to unusual stoves. I could not remember all of the information in the document but had something to refer to when needed.

    I managed to collect 7 out of the 9 versions and might be tempted to buy if I saw either of the first two versions of the stove

    Regards Bryan
     
  13. Spiritburner

    Spiritburner Admin SotM Winner Subscriber

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    The Pre PTC Tank Lids section is now edited & illustrated to show this new info.
     
  14. kaw550red

    kaw550red RIP

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    Hi

    I have recently come across information that suggests that the ribbed 1930s burner head was actually made by Primus rather than being an unbranded replacement part. This is an extract from a late 1930s Blanks catalogue. I had not heard of them previously and know nothing about them.

    1402488891-P_opt.jpg

    The burner head shows the ribs around the base and gives the part a Primus part number. There is an oddity in that the complete burner on the right shows the more conventional Primus burner head.

    It is a puzzle that Primus did not put their name on the ribbed head.

    As it appears to have been sold as a spare part there should be other 1/2 pint stoves with this head on them

    Regards Bryan
     
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  15. kaw550red

    kaw550red RIP

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    I recently got a 1978 Blacks catalogue which shows Primus 96L being on sale in that year. Their price was £17.98 on 16/1/78

    1413369438-96L_opt.jpg

    Theoretically the model ceased being made in 1969 however it is possible that a batch of them was overlooked in the factory and Blacks bought those stoves

    I think by that time Optimus 96s were again being made but they were not on offer by Blacks

    regards Bryan

    Regards Bryan
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 26, 2015
  16. Spiritburner

    Spiritburner Admin SotM Winner Subscriber

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    I also have that catalogue. The stove in the picture looks like your version 6 Optimus 96 with captive brass burner plate. Maybe it's a misprint & should read Optimus 96L.
     
  17. kaw550red

    kaw550red RIP

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    Hi Ross

    You are right. It does have the last burner head on it. During the latter part of the Primus 96 production the stoves came out in either colour tin irrespective of what make they were. I was partly mislead by the title and colour of tin.

    It seems probable that they were Optimus rather than Primus brand stoves.

    It seems odd that Blacks sold the 96 but not the 00 which was a good all rounder.

    Regards Bryan
     
  18. Jarek

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    Hi Bryan,
    I am very grateful to you for this article. Really helped me in identifying and verifying my collection (very modest because only begin).
    Yours heartily, and all fans and lovers of antiques
    Jarek
    (PL-Waw & D-HH)
    upload_2016-2-14_18-22-51.png
     
  19. Wim

    Wim Subscriber

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    Nice canoe! and herzlich willkommen also :content:

    Best regards,

    Wim
     
  20. lanevitt

    lanevitt Subscriber

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    I'm busy sorting out my collection of 96 stoves, this thread is pure gold. I'm making sure each part is correct for the stove
    I could not have done it without this information.